This week, the fragility and tenderness of life have been very evident to me. Not only have people who are dear to me been unwell, some of them seriously so, but I have been reminded of how my own insecurities and inadequacies are always close by. I have not been at my best, easily irritated, grumpy and beset by worries. But within all this imperfection, it is still easy to see how much folk do their best. Doctors with almost no bedside manner still manage to do difficult operations, workmates pull their fingers out and lend a hand when you just can’t manage another thing, friends gloss over bad moods, help is being offered in all kinds of ways to all sorts of folk. And on top of all that, flowers bloom, figs are in season, the tomatoes are still producing, and the sea is magnificent. Life is so various isn’t it? It’s easy to feel swamped by the difficulties, and to forget to notice the birds singing away (the magpies around here have been gorgeous lately), the arms on the end of my shoulders that can still hug, and the rest that comes with sleep. Life is precious and amazing – here’s to more of it, with all its im/perfections.

9 Responses to Tenderness

Hi Elizabeeth,
sending you strength and love and reminding you of what a vey special lady you are. You give so much to so many people, always generously and with kindness.
I hope all is ok and hope you have the wisdom to reach out to your friends.
Love Mandy. XX

this reminds of Mary Oliver’s reflection in Wild Geese – “Tell me about your despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on…
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.”
It is like being held by the universe and it saying to us “when your ready we will be doing our stuff and we look forward to you joining us again”. It is quite a comforting thought my dear one.
Lots of love to you xxx